OREPUKI.

Otago Witness, Issue 2565, 13 May 1903, Page 31

OREPUKI.

May 10.— The farmers, considering the very unseasonable harvest weather, have got all t.h^ir grain secured in fair order. The ciop3, though late, have turned out very well. I hear of one paddock of wheat belonging to Mr John Eiskine that is expected to yield SO bushels to the acre. Grass has been very plentiful ; therefore stock are in good condition. The two dairy factories have been well supplied, paying a fair price for milk, so, after all, the farmers, in this district have not a great deal to complain about — not like some of the poor farmers lower down the country, who have some of their crops still standing and quite green. Mining. — Matters in thia industry are at rather a low ebb, no new finds being got, though Klondyke Spur still yields good returns. I fear that cur once prosperous little diggings will gradually drift into a Chinaman's workings if something new does not shortly turn up. An application interesting to all miners is before the Warden's Court — for water out of the sludge channel, which is private property. The case has already been heard before the warden, decision being held over until next court day. Shale. — Our big concern, the shale works, ia still hanging fire. The only work being done about the place at present is keeping the water down in the mine, which only requires three or four men. It is to be hoped, for t^he benefit of all concerned, that tne works will again soon make a start and prosper. It seems a great pity that so much money should remain idle so long. The action of the Government in taking the duty ofi oil no doubt in a great measure helped the downfall of the Orepuki Shale Works. Mr H. Du:ilop, the late manager, and who superintended the erection of the works, leaves with his family next week for Scotland. They take their departure from the Bluff on Monday, the 18th, per Moeraki, to Melbourne, where they join the Ophir. Mr Dunlop takes with him a very carefully-selected and valuable collection of New Zealand curio 3, fit to adorn the shelves of any museum, and these will no doubt be very much admired in the Homeland. Mr Dunlop, during his four years' sojourn amongst us, made many friends, he being always willing to oblige, and was highly respected by his employees. He takes with him the best wishes of all who have come in contact with him for his future prosperity and a quick an dsafe passage to his native land.